Restoring agricultural production after natural disasters.

In recent days, prolonged heavy rains have caused severe flooding in many residential areas and key vegetable and crop production regions of Lam Dong province, resulting in heavy losses. After the floodwaters receded, along with cleaning up their homes and the environment, farmers in the province are actively returning to the fields to prepare for the new planting season.

In Ka Do commune, as soon as the water level of the Da Nhim River receded, Mr. Bui Van Ca in Tan Lap village took advantage of the opportunity to clean up his lettuce and kale garden, which was covered in mud, weeds, and garbage. Mr. Ca said that the flood on the night of November 19th was the most devastating he had ever witnessed. His entire 1.2 hectares of short-term crops were completely destroyed, including the lettuce garden that had been pre-ordered by traders. “Now that the water has receded, I’m taking advantage of the time to clean up the garden and start over. With this situation, it will take at least a month to rehabilitate the soil, replace equipment, and then start planting for the new season,” Mr. Ca shared.

In the same Ka Đô commune, Mr. Le Van Thang's family suffered losses of approximately 200 million VND. This includes the nearly 3,500 m² greenhouse that was swept away by the flood, its iron frame tilted, and its roof buried in mud. Not to mention all the vegetables inside were submerged and washed away. He is currently trying to salvage some of the old frame, hiring workers to repair it, and reinstalling the irrigation system to restore production as soon as possible.

According to preliminary statistics, in Ka Đô commune alone, more than 500 hectares of crops were completely flooded or swept away; over 30 hectares of greenhouses were destroyed by the flood, and nearly 10 hectares of glasshouses were damaged. The total estimated damage to agricultural production, houses, and transportation infrastructure is nearly 500 billion VND. The Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune, Nguyen Huu Chi, stated: “Many gardens have been completely destroyed, making it very difficult for people to resume production. Therefore, the commune is requesting that banks implement debt restructuring and debt freezing plans for affected households, and at the same time, provide support policies to help people access loans for future production.”

In D'Ran commune, floods damaged over 1,320 hectares of crops and perennial plants, destroyed hundreds of houses, many roads and irrigation works; the total damage also exceeded 500 billion VND. Local authorities, along with officers and soldiers of Military Region 7, are actively assisting people in overcoming the consequences.

According to Truong Quang Kien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Truong Quang Kien commune: "We encourage people in higher areas to plant early to stabilize the supply. In low-lying areas, we will temporarily clean up and wait for the rain to stop before planting short-term vegetables to be ready for the end of the year and the upcoming Lunar New Year. At the same time, the local authorities are developing a plan to request the Provincial People's Committee to provide compensation for losses in vegetable and livestock production so that farmers can quickly recover their production."

Meanwhile, in Hiep Thanh commune, hundreds of hectares of vegetables and flowers were damaged by the floods in late October and early November. As soon as the water receded, people immediately began reclaiming the land and restoring production. Mr. Vo Tien Huy, Director of Tien Huy Cooperative, said that the cooperative is collaborating with farmers to produce various types of vegetables on nearly 40 hectares. The recent floods damaged many gardens, reducing market supply by 30%. Currently, members are focusing on reclaiming the flooded areas to quickly restore production.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lam Dong province, the recent floods have caused significant damage to the province's agricultural production areas, directly affecting the growth, development, and yield of crops. Initial statistics show that from November 17th to December 2nd, more than 4,570 hectares of crops were affected and damaged throughout the province, including 4,439 hectares of vegetables and rice, and 130 hectares of perennial crops.

Several localities suffered heavy damage, such as D'Ran and Ka Đô communes; Quang Lap commune lost over 205 hectares, Don Duong commune 100 hectares, Duc Trong commune 180 hectares, and Quang Phu commune over 300 hectares. According to Nguyen Ha Loc, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, specialized agencies have implemented many decisive and comprehensive solutions, including environmental remediation, livestock disinfection, and disease control; while also guiding people in land restoration and clearing irrigation canals to prepare for the new crop season. To date, localities in the province have basically restored and treated approximately 4,215 hectares out of a total of 4,570 hectares of affected and damaged crops.

To mitigate and limit damage, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Lam Dong province requests that localities continue to guide people in implementing production recovery solutions as recommended by the industry. For flooded vegetable crops, it is necessary to inspect the gardens and harvest any areas that are still viable. Simultaneously, destroy damaged crops, clear drainage ditches, plow and dry the soil combined with liming, and use appropriate biological products to improve soil quality. Afterwards, prepare the land for replanting short-term vegetables to compensate for lost production and meet market demand.

For vegetable crops that still have the potential to recover, it is necessary to urgently clear drainage channels and drain water from the gardens; use biological preparations to prevent root rot and wilting; straighten fallen plants, lightly apply superphosphate fertilizer, and supplement with foliar fertilizers and micronutrients to stimulate new root growth and help plants recover quickly after flooding. Local authorities also need to strengthen monitoring and proactively control pests and diseases that may emerge after flooding.

With the concerted efforts of the entire political system, armed forces, agencies, organizations, and the resilient spirit of the people, agricultural production in Lam Dong is recovering day by day after the historic floods.

Text and photos: LE GIANG NAM

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/khoi-phuc-san-xuat-nong-nghiep-sau-thien-tai-408239.html